The Philadelphia Eagles have held nine straight opponents to 21 points or less for the first time since 2001, when coordinator Jim Johnson's defense went the entire regular season without giving up more than 21 points.

The Associated Press reports Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will continue to rely on an aggressive style of defense, such as the one employed by his predecessor, Jim Johnson. McDermott didn't hesitate when asked the most important advice he's received from Johnson. "Blitz, and blitz again," McDermott said.

ESPN.com reports the Philadelphia Eagles have officially named Sean McDermott as their defensive coordinator. He takes over for Jim Johnson, who is on an indefinite leave of absence due to treatment for a cancerous tumor on his spine. McDermott, 35, signed a two-year contract Thursday, July 23. He served as the team's secondary coach last season.

Bob Brookover, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Ealges head coach Andy Reid could have more of a role in the team's defense with defensive coordinator Jim Johnson sidelined as he deals with cancer, according to former NFL LB Ike Reese. Reese said, "Andy has always trusted Jim with doing it. He had the luxury of trusting Jim's experience. There's nobody coaching the defense now that gives him that luxury. That means Andy is going to have more of a role with the defense. There's automatically more on his plate. To what degree, I don't know. " Secondary coach Sean McDermott is leading the team's defense during offseason workouts.

Sal Paolantonio, of ESPN.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is taking a leave of absence to begin a second round of chemotherapy to deal with cancer that has confined him to a wheel chair. Johnson won't coach at the upcoming organized team activities. "I told him to take care of himself first, and when he's ready to come back, come back," head coach Andy Reid said. "I'd like to tell you he's great, but he's not. He's struggling right now. I told him, when you feel like it, come back." Secondary coach Sean McDermott will coach the defense in the interim.

Tom Orsborn, of the San Antonio News-Express, reports Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo and WR Terrell Owens were critical of the offensive coaching staff, particularly for the game plan installed for Week 17. "They exposed something we do fundamentally offensively," Romo said. "Give (Eagles defensive coordinator) Jim Johnson credit. They did a good job and made it very difficult (for us) at different stages. It's part of the game - it's countering and coming back. … Scheme is a major part of it that the normal fan or writer doesn't understand. If you're put in a really good situation, it really allows your team to be successful a lot. That's why I think some games, it's easy to say, 'Well, he didn't play good.' A lot of it is scheme." Owens added, "I just feel with the weapons on this team, we just need more opportunities. There needs to be some changes in regard to getting some guys involved, putting guys in position to win. It all starts with the guys calling the plays."